Pop the Corks!

Salut! I've saved this nice selection especially for you this New Year's Eve.

This is Legrand Filles & Fils, located at 1 rue de la Banque in the 2ème, it's a wonderful place to visit and perhaps select some nice wine, liquor, candy or even a thimble sized bottle of Heinz ketchup at a champagne prix!!!

When I get to Paris, I promise I will toast you all with a glass of champagne ( but probably not this pricey!)

Bonne Année !

If you're craving some real Heinz ketchup for those frites, you'll pay 2.16 usd for this doll sized bottle. Oh just wait till you get home. There are too many divine things to taste in Paris!!!

Merci Mademoiselle!

L'Écoute, Henri de Miller's 70 ton sandstone sculpture is interesting in its own right. The giant head resting in a hand was placed in front of the beautiful gothic St. Eustache in 1986. I think I'm finally getting use to the very contemporary/abstract art your find right next to the old and wonderful architecture all over Paris. Some I like more than others, but I don't find it as jarring as I did at first. I particularly liked seeing Miller's etchings in the sandstone. Wonderful texture.

The day we visited, I was trying my best to find a good angle to get a decent photograph, when this jolie jeune femme rode up on her bike, hopped off, struck this adorable pose for her friend to photograph and I took advantage of that little gift! Perfect.

Rooftop Ornament

Taken beside the Palais de Tokyo

I fantasize about Paris a lot, and looking out the window of my Paris apartment and seeing this each day would certainly be one of them.

I regret that I can't find Susan Werner's version of "La Vie en Rose" on Youtube for you today. Merci to my friend Mr. Earl for recommending it. It's on my IPod right this minute. I think I'll let Mireille Mathieu sing it for you instead.

Parisian Pastime I

Reading, a Parisian pastime. Back in May, I wrote about my fascination with the number of people I spotted sitting in parks, cafes, even on the Metro, reading. Now I regret that I didn't put my camera down more and find a nice chair in the park and read as well! Today a few readers I found at one of my favorite spots, the gardens at the Palais Royal. ( I'll be staying very near the Palais Royal this trip. I'm smiling from ear to ear!)

Today I join Aileni's Monochrome Weekly gang. Click here to see their interesting images.

If I'd had my new longer lens I'd have gotten a better shot. As it was, I had to practically sit in his lap to get this!

Insanity is Contagious

La Petite Valise

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results. Well I'm about to prove it. My Paris loving friend Mary and her college roommate Mary and I ( or as Mary G. says, "Two Marys and a Virgin!) are about to wing our way to Paris on ummm..........standby. Oh I know I said, " Mon dieu! I will NEVER leave this country on standby ever again." Oh, well.......I am. The worst part of being stranded in Paris last summer was 1. Being all alone 2. No luggage ( no clothes!) 3. It was the peak of the travel season so standby was an exercise in futility. May I just add that as harrowing as it seemed at the time, I learned a lot about how to navigate the RER/Metro system on my own and enjoyed Paris from a new perspective!

This trip we will be a faithful band of travelers three and probably the only people crazy enough to go to Paris in January. Oh, and we've all agreed to fly with just a carry-on bag. Yes, yes, you heard me right. I can hear the guffaws and knee slaps from my family and friends. I'm rather notorious for traveling heavy. Well I survived 4 days in the same black pants, black tee shirt and cute scarf last summer, and I can do this. I can do this. I can do this...but this airline friendly bag sure is *small. Stay tuned.

I'm open to any reasonable suggestions from you seasoned travelers as to how to get as much out of every square inch (cm) as is humanly possible. You guys, you are all disqualified. You and I both know why.

Listening to this makes the packing a little easier. Enjoy!

* 22"x 14"x 9" to be exact.

Paris' Grand Lady

I hope I never, ever tire at the sight of her. There she stands, so gracefully towering over all of Paris. From almost any place in the city, you can catch a glimpse of her. I'll admit I'm feeling a little nostalgic today. My friend Chieftess, who is a faithful visitor on both of my blogs, recently spent a few days in my beloved Paris. I stopped by her blog yesterday and took a little trip back via her photographs. Before she went, she kindly asked me to give them a few special places to see. *La tour Eiffel was of course on my list. Touristy you say? Of course, and well she should be. I will never forget the first time I stood at the base and looked up . My first thought, after I caught my breath, was that she was much bigger/taller/grander than I could have ever imagined. Yes, it's always crowded ( unless you choose a day when it's freezing cold and pouring rain ) but go. Go and take as many photos as your heart desires. I have enough to fill a book. What a novel idea...... a photo book of la tour Eiffel! :)

Now, it's time to share some very delicious news. I will be returning to Paris on January 7th with my Paris loving amie Mary from Cincinnati and her college roommate. We'll stay a week, and I hope to blog from there. I've told Peter ( you remember Peter, the most patient man in Paris. I do hope I'm not pushing my luck! ) my number one "must do" is a night shoot at the Eiffel Tower! I can hardly wait, but you knew that didn't you?

Today, another photo from a very special evening in Paris.....Bastille Day and the fabulous fireworks.

Snow fell on Paris recently. My friend, American photographer Meredith Mullins, captured it beautifully, as only she can do. Richard Nahem's Eye Prefer Paris blog featured some of her marvelous photographs. Perhaps la neige will visit again pour moi.

* Last summer I was pleased to meet author Jill Jonnes and hear her speak about her newest book Eiffel's Tower. You'll want to buy this one!

Noël Est Arrivé

Église Saint Chapelle

Mai la bénédiction de Noël soit avec vous et votre famille de cette journée,

Virginia

Les Lumières à Paris

These beautiful "chandeliers" were hanging across the streets near the rue de Rivoli last Christmas. Joyeux Noël mes amis!!

WE HAVE A WINNER IN THE PTML CALENDAR GIVEAWAY.......

SHELL SHERREE!

Shell, email me your address and I'll send your calendar to Brisbane asap!!

Paris Rouge XII

OK , when I get my Paris apartment, I want doors just like these! :)

Joyeux Noël ! Aujourd'hui un peu le rouge á Paris pour vous!

I don't know about this place. I'm guessing you can get your fill of bratwurst and beer 24/7 - 7/7 and......NONSTOP! Then again maybe it's French ?

( Perhaps my German connection, JB, will enlighten us)

Serge

Meet mon ami Serge. I really like this portrait of him. Serge and Caroline live in Chalmaison, France. I loved getting to know them this past summer. The dinner we shared in their lovely home was just a very special evening, and one I'll not forget.

DON'T FORGET MY PARIS THROUGH YOUR LENS CALENDAR GIVEAWAY!

Leave a comment letting my know that you'd like to be included in the drawing on Christmas Eve! Bonne Chance!

Le Cimetière - Joigny FR

This cimetière was in the lovely town of Joigny, France. The fields you see behind are vineyards.

Today's post is for my friend Mary Gilbert who, if she could, would drag me to every cimetière in Paris. This trip, a pet cemetery has magically appeared on our itinerary. I not sure about that, but I'm willing to have a look!

Today I join Aileni's Monochrome Weekend once more. Click here to see the other entries!

PARIS THROUGH MY LENS CALENDAR GIVEAWAY!

Leave a comment and let me know that why you'd like the calendar, and I will put your name in the hat for the Christmas Eve drawing!

Église Bray sur Seine

This Sunday another visit to the simple but beautiful church in Bray sur Seine, Fr. I think the photograph speaks for itself.

DON'T FORGET!

I'm giving away a Paris Through My Lens Calendar on Christmas Eve. Leave a comment here to let me know why you would like to win!

Three French Doors............

.......and a partridge in a pear tree!

These lovely old doors were all found in Provins, France.

DON'T FORGET!

I'll be giving away a Paris Through My Lens Calendar on Christmas Eve.

Leave a comment and tell me why you think I should pick YOU! Actually Père Noël will do

the drawing when he stops by. Bonne chance.

(You can see the calendar by clicking the white box on the sidebar)

Pinkified in Paris

Well Eric got me started last week when he featured the gorgeous Galeries Lafayette on his blog. It brought back all of the wonderful sights from last November's trip when we saw it in all of its megawatt splendor at night. I loved the store windows decorated to the hilt for the children. (They even had a little ramp in front of each for them to stand on. See above.). Today a few of the windows. This also brought back some nice memories of the delightful animated windows in downtown Birmingham's Loveman's and Pizitz when I was growing up.

PARIS THROUGH MY LENS CALENDAR GIVEAWAY!

Drop me a comment right here and tell me why you'd like to receive one. Je vais mettre ton nom dans mon chapeau. Père Noël will do the drawing when he stops by on Christmas Eve. Bonne chance mes amis! ( If you'd like to have a closer look at each and every month, go to the sidebar and click on the calendar. Feel free to order hundreds for your dearest amis. )

The View From le Palais de Chaillot

Somtimes I think I should just step back and offer a magnificent view of Paris. What more could I possibly add? Well maybe this...... j'adore Paris!!!

My friend Daryl in NYC recently gave away a great new guidebook, NEW YORK IN 10 SECONDS! I won one of the copies!! Got me thinking that maybe I'd have a little giveaway here. I'll be giving a Paris Through My Lens 2010 Calendar away on Christmas Eve. Leave a comment telling me why you deserve to have it, and I'll put your name in the drawing. Ho Ho Ho.

(Want to see the whole calendar? Look on the sidebar to your right and click on the calendar!)

100 French Strangers Challenge - Les Dames et la Jeune Fille

French Stranger #51

If you have followed my 100 French Stranger quest you know that I have had much better luck with the men! That said, today I have proof that the French women were also quite friendly, well except for these !

The jeune fille in the top photo was seated next to me at a café one afternoon. We had a nice chat, and she was kind enough to let me take her picture before she scooted off for an interview.

These nice ladies below, were visiting through this open window in the little town of Nogent sur Seine, FR.

French Strangers # 52-53

le Marchand de Vin

My kind of place!

And may I wish my friend Starman a grand bon voyage! They leave for Paris tomorrow and will spend Christmas in the City of Lights. What could be more wonderful? I hopePeter and I can share a sip with them there before they leave Paris!!

100 French Strangers - Les Bijoutiers

French Stranger #49

Saturday on my Birmingham blog, I had a few more of my 100 Strangers. Today I thought we'd take a little trip to the countryside of France to find two more of my 100 French Strangers. The top photo is a jewelry artist we met in Troyes, France. The bottom photo is a young man selling jewelry outside of a shop in Sens. Strangers 49 and 50, and I have a few more to share. Perhaps my next trip I'll find the rest? I think I'll have to improve my French or my charm, one or the other to capture that many. We'll see!

French Stranger #50

Pétanque at the Palais Royal - Part II

Remember when I happened upon this delightful group of pétanque players at the Palais Royal last summer? Well I've been looking over my photographs, and I found two more. It's all in the throw and the footwork I think. Pétanque might be my favorite game to watch in France. I've played it a few times, and although I have a lot to learn, it's great fun.

Today I'm joining Aileni's Monochrome Weekend photographers.

Our friend Bob Crowe over at Saint Louis Mo Daily Photo is celebrating his 1000th post. Can you believe that?? Bob has to be the hardest working blogger I know. He has been a friend since I started my blog and a mentor as well. Take a bow Bob!!

Noël Grand - Galeries Layfayette

Nothing says Joyeux Noël like the fabulously over the top Galeries Layfayette! The entire store wrapped for Christmas in sparkling lights is just breathtakingly unbelievable! Nöel á Paris, a dream come true. My hope is that all of you that love Paris may experience it !!

Paris Through My Lens Calendars are $9 off right now. Click on the calendar on the sidebar!

Le Reminet

Mes amis we are happily back in Paris today. I had a really nice lunch here at le Reminet last summer with American (living in Paris) photographer Meredith Mullins. This restaurant, located on île de la Cité, just a stroll across the bridge from Notre Dame, is one of Meredith's favorites. I rarely take photos in restaurants but this one was too charming to pass up. Déjeuner était délicieux!

La Neige á Birmingham

Pardon mes amis. I leave Paris for just one day to give you a little Paris in Birmingham. You know I immediately spotted this lovely fleur-de-lis ironwork last Saturday as the snow was melting. I love it when my hometown and Paris share a moment!

Let Me In There!

Arrrggghhh! Last July Peter and I pressed our faces through the elegant ironwork at the Musée de la Mode et du Costume-Palais Galiera, and took these photos, but that's as far as we got. Closed, fermé!! Located across the street from the Palais Tokyo, and other museums that overlook the Eiffel Tower, it's very convenient for you museum lovers.

Opened in 1888 to house the drawings of Paris by the Duchess of Galiera, Marie Brinol-Sale, this museum now houses over 100,000 exhibits representing French fashion from the 18th century to the present. Because of the fragile nature of the costumes, the exhibits change frequently, therefore there is no permanent collection , and the museum is not open on a regular basis. My next trip, I'll be knocking on the gate again you can be sure. A MUST SEE!

La Tour d'Argent, Haute Cuisine á Paris

" We are your friends- be our accomplices. Nothing should be taken more seriously than pleasure"

Claude Terrail

La Tour d'Argent, with its superb view of the Seine, has been a Paris tradition depuis 1582. For the last century the Terrail family has maintained this restaurant's sterling reputation (although they've lost a Michelin star or two over the years. C'est dommage.) Their specialty, canard á la presse is so popular they raise their own ducks, and have served over 1 million to date! Another delicious place that I doubt I will ever experience, but I enjoyed photographing the entrance!

Paris Rouge XI - Café Thé Chocolat

Today the very, very charming Café -Thé-Chocolat. Located "down the hill from the Pantheon", actually I'm not at all sure this is the proper name for this café. I hope to stop here for a cup the next time I'm in Paris! I'll let you know!

Église St. Madeleine - les Jardins

This Sunday we are going back to Troyes, FR to stroll the beautiful gardens at Église St. Madeleine. When I visited last July, the garden was in full bloom. All of the flowers were white which I loved.

The Fashion Shoot

I promised you more photos from my last visit to the Palais Royal gardens. This young lady was being photographed for who knows what, but I was fascinated to watch it all. I didn't know it was possible to have legs that long !

Café Marly

Bienvenue á la Café Marly! I've not gotten any further inside than right here (c'est dommage), but I think there is a glass of champagne in there somewhere with my name written all over it! Once inside you can have a sip from a front row seat of la Pyramide ! What could be more wonderful, especially at night? Café Marly has just jumped to the top of my To Do list for my next visit.

Joyeux Anniversaire- Paris Through My Lens!

Obelisk Place de la Concorde with the Ferris Wheel at Tuileries

November 2008

Well how did I let that slip by? Actually this blog was one year old on November 27th, but who's counting! Merci to all of you who encouraged me to create a blog soley for my Paris photographs way back then. Little did any of us know how many I would have to post by now! I never dreamed how much this blog would mean to me. Sharing my photos with you has meant that I get to take a little trip back to the city j'adore EVERY day!

Yesterday I read Eric's post, and he featured the fabulous Pont Alexander III with the glitzy holiday ferris wheel at Tuileries in the background. I went dashing to the archives. For this Christmas season, I will occasionally feature Christmas in Paris photos from last November's trip. My header will change as well! Joyeux Noël mes amis!!